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Phone & internet cancellations

Cancel Phone & Internet Service

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Xfinity - port your number first, return equipment, and get confirmation.

Phone and internet services require careful sequencing - especially when switching carriers. Port your number before canceling, return all equipment, and get a confirmation number. Here's the exact process for each major provider.

Phone & internet cancellation guides
Medium
AT&T
Port your number first - wireless, internet, and home phone covered
Read the guide →
 Medium
Verizon
Port your number first - Fios equipment return required
Read the guide →
 Easy
T-Mobile
No ETF on most plans - port your number before canceling
Read the guide →
 Hard to cancel
Xfinity / Comcast
Notorious retention tactics - in-person store is fastest
Read the guide →

Charged after canceling your phone or internet service?

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The most important rule: port your number first

If you're switching wireless carriers and want to keep your phone number, you must start with the new carrier - not by canceling your current one. Give your new carrier your account number and PIN from the old carrier, and they handle the port. Porting automatically cancels your old service and transfers your number. Cancel first and you lose the number permanently.

Equipment returns

Internet providers - AT&T, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity in particular - charge $100–350 for unreturned equipment. Return modems, routers, cable boxes, remotes, and power cords. Keep the return receipt until your final bill confirms no equipment charges.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel my phone service online?
T-Mobile allows self-service cancellation online. AT&T and Verizon generally require a phone call or in-person visit. Xfinity is most reliably done in person at a corporate store.
What is an early termination fee?
An ETF is charged when you cancel a service before a contract term ends. Most carriers have eliminated 2-year contracts with ETFs for wireless plans, but device installment plan balances are still owed upon cancellation.